Scientists gather information about the Atlantic red snapper fishery with assistance from anglers during 2014 season in Atlantic federal waters.

An FWC scientist in Port Canaveral collects biological samples from a red snapper obtained from a charter vessel’s catch.

In January 2010, the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council (SAFMC) and NOAA Fisheries closed the red snapper fishery to protect the population from too much fishing pressure and to allow the population to increase in abundance. The two organizations approved opening the recreational and commercial fisheries in 2012 and again in 2014 after new scientific information projected the population will continue to improve, even with some allowable catch. The fishery reopened for a short period of time to prevent too many fish from being harvested.

Opening this fishery provided fishermen the opportunity to harvest the red snapper catch limit and enhanced the social and economic benefits to the fishery by supporting recreational and commercial fishing jobs and businesses.

The retention of red snapper created an opportunity to collect important life history information that fishery scientists could use in a future population assessment. Anglers are encouraged to participate in fish surveys during the recreational opening.

FWC researchers appreciate all the anglers and captains taking time to participate in surveys and for allowing biologists to sample their catch. The red snapper sampling effort on the east coast of Florida is a great example of scientists and fishermen working together to collect high-quality data needed to manage Florida’s fisheries.